Rested IU ready to play Ball

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

September 17, 2008|JOHN HARRELL Bloomington Herald Times

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Bill Lynch and his team have had a long two weeks to prepare for Ball State, and they're plenty up to speed on the Cardinals and they're fantastic receiver Dante Love. "It's good to be back getting ready for a game," Lynch said. "The off-week was good and I think it was productive for us. We got some guys a chance to heal up a little bit, and certainly got a chance to work some young guys some more." Lynch said the Hoosiers kept a normal routine last week, but he gave his players this past weekend off to rest. He and his staff have watched a plethora of tape on Ball State, and they're very impressed with what they've seen. "Offensively, they're very good, and their numbers hold up," Lynch said. "And where they get you is they have so much balance." The Cardinals currently rank 12th, 15th and 18th in the nation in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense, respectively. Lynch went in depth about Nate Davis, the Ball State gunslinger, as well as the nation's leading receiver, Love (144.3 yards per game). But Lynch knows those two players aren't the only ones to keep an eye on Saturday. "(They have) really good receivers, and different kinds of receivers," he said. "Love is a speed guy, (and B.J) Hill is big, rangy guy that does a lot of things." The Hoosiers used the off-week to rest some of their starters that have been experiencing some injury problems. Ray Fisher (shoulder), who sat out the Murray State game, was limited last week and will continue to be this week, but will be on the field Saturday. Three offensive linemen saw some rest, as well -- Rodger Saffold (back), Pete Saxon and Mike Stark all got some time off in an attempt to have them all at 100 percent when the Cardinals come to town. Wide receiver Andrew Means (finger/leg bruise) and defensive tackle Deonte Mack also saw limited action last week. Mack was on the sidelines during Tuesday's practice in shorts. According to Lynch, safety Austin Thomas hurt his lower leg in practice last week, and will be held back from much of the practices this week. During Tuesday's practice, he watched from the sidelines with a boot on his right leg. Senior Joe Kleinsmith filled the open safety spot during practice, and Lynch has confidence in him if he is forced to play on Saturday. Linebacker Matt Mayberry turned an ankle last week, causing for the coaches to hold him out of practice last Wednesday and Thursday. It's not too serious -- Lynch said if the Hoosiers played last Saturday, Mayberry would have been on the field.